Addressing sunscreen safety: a review of EWG’s 2024 guide to sunscreens

Abstract

Recent findings from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) highlighted potential shortcomings in sunscreens available in the US market. The organization’s 2024 Guide to Sunscreens1 reported that only one-fourth of approximately 1700 SPF products meet the criteria for adequate sun protection, further underlining differences in regulatory processes in the US, Europe, and other parts of the world. Moreover, EWG reported that approximately 1700 studied sunscreens still contain ingredients that pose potential health risks, including oxybenzone, octinoxate, homosalate, octisalate, and avobenzone. Most of these ingredients have exhibited prior evidence of skin penetration and skin allergy or other concerns.1 Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are currently the only proposed safe and effective active ingredients in sunscreens.2 Dermatology Times recently spoke with Adewole Adamson, MD, MPP, a board-certified dermatologist based in Austin, Texas, and an assistant professor in the Department of Internal Medicine (Division of Dermatology) at Dell Medical School at the University of Texas at Austin. Adamson is also a health services researcher and specializes in caring for patients at high risk for melanoma of the skin, evidence-based medicine, and health policy. Additionally, Adamson is the director of the melanoma and pigmented lesion clinic at Dell Seton Medical Center at The University of Texas. Following the EWG’s report, he delved into the implications of these findings, the regulatory landscape surrounding sunscreen ingredients, and what clinicians should discuss with patients who express concerns with the headlines stemming from the report.